Mining machine



March 13, 192s.

M. P. HOLMES MINING MACHINE `Original Filed June 5. 1919 2 Sheets-'Sheet 2 W WWW/WW 77Z07 01517. y du Patented Mar. 13, 1928.

unirse PATENT MORRIS' P.- HOLMES, OFI C13AREill/IONflfy NEW HAMPSHIRE, ASSIGNOR.y TO'SULLIVAN; MACHINERY" COMPANYZ, A; CORPORATION OF MASSACHUSETTS.1

MINING MACHINE? Application-filed. Lune, 5, 1919, Serial No. 301,917, Renewed May 11,` 1927.

' My inventiony relates to mining machines.

It has among its objects to provide an improved mining machine having any improved and simplified; feeding, mechanism. A further object of my invention is to provide an improved flexibly fed mining machine having an improved'. arrangement of its flexible feeding mechanism and improved operative connections for actuating said mechanism to propel the machine. Another object of my invention is toA provide an rms proved flexibly fed machine. ofV theI so-called longwall. type. A still further., object of my Yinvention is toY provide an improved and simplified feeding arrangement. and ymechanism for. achain propelled mining machine, and more especially' for a chain propelled mining machine of the longwall type whereby thesame isr renderedibetter adapted to. service conditions. .These and other objects and advantages. of my iinproved construction will, however, hereinafter more fully appear.

In the accompanying drawings, ,I have shown for purposesof, illustration t-,Wo embodiments which my invention, may assume in practice.

In thesediibwingsf- Fig. l; is a. planfview. .of one:l form of my invention, the rear, end. ofthe casing being broken away and the feed vmechanism being` shown partially in section;

Fig. 2 is an end elevation 'of` the machine shown. iny Fig. l illustrating the improved arrangement of the chain. driving and guide sprockets. l i

Fig. 3 is a planview, showing the machine in operationv when cutting in one direction, with the chain also. shownl in dotted'li'nes in its transport arrangement.

Fig. li-fis; a similar viewk showing.- the ma.- chine cutting the. opposite: direction with the chain` also shownv in dotted, linesA in its cutter bar swinging. arrangement,

Fig. 5 is a. plan view similar to that; shown in. Fig. l, showing., a modified construction of a portion of theA feeding mechanism,

In? the. illustrative construction.l shown, in Figs. 1 to, 4, I have shown a` longwall`ma` chine including a usual; elongated machine frame l mounted on a, shoe 2 and slidable thereon` over they bott-omin Vplanes adjacent the latten, the frame carrying-ra suitable motor 3, herein ofv theA usual! reversible type and horizontally and longitudinally disposed and as usuall centrally locatedfbetween' the feed driving mechanism` and] the cutter chain driving mechanism. Inasmuch as the latter mechanism doesnotv enter into the present invention, itwilltherefore herein suflice to sayv'that the same includes a cutter bar 4c. pivotally mounted onone' end of the frame 1the bar carrying the usual zontalaXis at the opposite end of the frame from the cutter bar, which? in a longwall machineis the front ofthe `machine frame, and driven by improved mechanism. As shown in this form of my invention, this driving sprocket 7 Y is disposed; transversely of the front ofi-ftheframe' and rotatabley in a vertical plane about longitudinally disposed axis` located1 in the center ofthe ma# chine. As shoWnLit isalso driven: from the motor,l the adjacent end off the motor ar mature shaft 9y carrying a Worm 10,Y vhioh in1 turn. meshes: With a WormJ gear 11 cen-` trally fixed to a` transversely disposedy co; operating horizontal sprocket?l driving haft l2,"in turny journiilcd insuitable bearings 13 Von opposite' sides andthe bottom of the frame. As illustrated,V this shaft 12y is-here.- in connected to the. sprocket 7, .throughs plurality of improved operative connections 0r. trams of gearing whereby thisfsprocket may be rotatedin oppositedirections ata plurality of speeds, and;` improved control'.-

ling mechanism is also herein provided whereby the feed may be reversed Whatever its. direction, Without reversingV the motor.

Referring t o the feed driving mechanism', We Williirst consider the slowy feed mecha-f nism, Herein it will be` observed that a 1 Smelt pinion ,1.4 is fixed. usaron@ and. of the shaft 12j and meshes with, a larger pinion 115 carried onA the inner endx ofva stiib 'shaft 16 journee the fana. mi depen paal: leL to the shaft, 122m@ between, the latter and, the motel', This Stab. Shaft lit turf! carries al smallv pinion 1,79 onits yappesi e; end;

which meshes with a larger pinion 18 freely rotatable on the/shaft 12 and disposed between the pinion 14 and the side of the frame. As shown, this pinion 18 in turn meshes witha still larger pinion or gear 19, which is suitably connectible with a rearwardly located transversely disposed shaft 20 by means of a friction clutch mechanism 21 including the usual fixed and movable elements, herein of the disc type, and controlled by a usual clutch shipper 22vmovable on the shaft`20 and herein operable by controlling mechanism including a lower lever 23 engageable with the shipper and operatively connected through a transverse link 24 and other mechanism not shown, with a controlling lever 25 disposed on the top of the machine casing. Y As shown, a bevel gear 26, freely rotatable on the shaft 20, constantly meshes witha larger bevel. gear 27 on one end of a short longitudinally and horizontally disposed, centrally located shaft 28 suitably journaled in the frame and carrying the feed driving sprocket 7 on its opposite end. A In the fast feed mechanism, it will'be noted that fixed to the opposite end of the shaft 12 from the pinion 14', is a suitable small pinion 29 meshing with a considerably larger g-ear rotatable onthe opposite end of the shaft 2O from that car r ing the gear 19 and similarly" located. he connection of this gear `80 to the shaft 20 is in turn controlled by a suitable friction mechanism 31 similar to the friction mechanism 21, and likewisescontrolled by a shipper 32 through a lever 83, the lever in turn being connected to the link 24 and likewise controllable by the controlling lever 25 located on the top of the casing. Here it will be observed that a freely rotatable bevel gear 34 similar to the gear 26 and likewise constantly meshing with the gear 27 is also provided.` Thus, it will Abe observed that when the lever 25 is operated in such a manner as to operate the clutch shipper 22 in one direction, the clutch V31 is disconnected and the clutch 21 is caused to connect the slow feed mechanism, including the gears 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 26, and 27, to the shaft 28, while when this controlling lever25 is operated in such a manner as to actuate the shipper 32 to connect the clutch 31, the clutch 21 is disconnected and theV feed is connected through thefast feed mechanism, including the gears 29, 30, 34 and 27, to the shaft 28. r In my improved construction, it will also be observed that I have provided upon `the shaft 2O and between the bevel gears 26,

34, which mesh constantly with thelarger bevel gear 27, improved controlling mechanism for controlling the rotation of the feed sprocket driving shaft 28.` Herein, this mechanism assumes the'form of a clutch member splined to the shaft 20 between the bevels and having suitable teeth 36, 37

on its opposite ends adapted to engage with corresponding teeth formed on the bevel gears 26, 34 when the shipper is actuated through a lever 38 from a controlling lever 39 (Figs. 3 and 4) operable from the top of the casing. As a result of the provision of this mechanism, it will be observed that while the lever 25 may be operated alternately to connect the feed sprocket with either the fast or slow feed mechanism and thereby rotate the feed sprocket in opposite directions at different speeds, as desired, it is also possible by manipulation ofthe lever 39 to reverse either the fast or slow feed, as desired, and thereby obtain a fast or slow -feed in either direction,

y To cooperate with my improved feed operating memberor sprocket, I preferably provide on opposite sides of the same, and herein beneath the same, cooperating guiding sprockets 40' and 41, all three sprockets preferablybeinedisposed in the saine vertical plane and transversely across the front end of the machine frame and above `a horizontal plate 42 thereon. Here it will also be observed that I have'provided further cooperating guide sprockets 43, 44, and 45, rotatable on vertical axes and disposed in a horizontal plane on this plate 421 and beneath the sprockets 40 and 41, the sprocket 44 being preferably disposed slightly'in,

front of its fellows and in the center line of Vthe machine, while the sprockets 48 and 45 are so disposed at the corners of the end of the frame and preferably extended laterally slightly beyond the lines thereof as to per mit the chain to be passed around either side thereof.V By this improved arrangement of the feed sprocket and itsV cooperating guiding elements, it will be observedfthat it possi-- ble to shorten the machine materially and to simplify the driving connections. It is also madepossible when desired to apply the feed chain with great facility, it only being necessary to grasp thesame at any loose point or bight and throw the salue over the feed sprocket,v whereupon by starting the feed the chain is caused to assume operative relation with respect to the guide sprockets 40 and 41, all necessity for so called threading the feed chain being thereby avoided. Itavill also be observed that through my improved arrangement, wherein the feed sprocket rotates in a vertical plane, all liability 'of seiliaiation of the feed chain from the feed sprocket during slack conditions of thechain, is thereby eliminated, the weight of the chain holding itin operative relationfto itssprocket.

l In considering the use `of my improved construction, reference is made to Figs. 3 and 4. In Fig. 3, 'it will be observed that I have shown the chain when in one position by the usual dash and dot chain line, this position being the usual operating position lili) member.

of the chain during cuttinfr'- wherein; it extends from its freeY end under the guide- 41.-, over the chain driving sprocket 7 and under the guide 40, and is then extended around the corner sprocket 43y to a fixed point'in advance ofthe machine, as for instancea jack 46 adjacent the face., In this ligure, it will be observed thaty I have also shown the chain in dotted lines in its transport position,- i. e. the position which the same occupies when the bar is also in the dotted transport position shownA and the machine is ready for transport. In this position, it will be observed that the chain is reversely disposed and extends from its free endy down under the sprocket 40, over the chain drivingsprocket`7, under thesp-rocket 41, around the sprocket 45, andback around the sprocket 4 4 to a point directly in. front of t-he'center line of the machine. Considering Fig. 4, it Will be observed that therein I have similarly illustrated the chain in the usual dash and" dot chainline as connected to propel the machine during cutting in the opposite direction'from that shown in Fig., 3,'the chain then beingA extended from itsfree end under the guide 40,;over the chain driving sprocket 7 under the guide 41 around the sprocket 45, and forwardto theiack 46. In this ligure, it will be. observed'y that' I have alsor illustrated in dotted'. lines the position ofthe chain when disposed in*` my improved ar.- rangement for swinging the bar 4 from its cuttingposition out'of the coal, or, similarly, from the transport position (shown inl Fig. 3) into the coal When cutting Vanopp'oysitely located face. In this position, it Will be observed that the same arrangement relative to the sprocket 7, and guides and 41,r obtains, but that in this instance the chain, instead of being passed forward Vthe sprocket 45, is again passed laterally across the frame and' in front of the sprockets 44 and 43, and Athen brought rearward' around the rear end of the machine and ,connected to the, swing hook 47 on thek bar. Obviously this arrangementof'the feed chain may be reversed to swing the bar under Athe face or Withdraw the same from the face When t-hemachine is reversely disposed relative to the face. It will also be understood that duringv the cutting operations, i.y e. when the bar is. being swung'in under the face or when the machine andbar are both moving bodily along the face,` the feed operating 7 speed iny thel desired direction determined by the adjustment of the controlling mechanism, while when the machinejis, being transportedor the bary isl being swungv when not cutting the memberrk isf rotatediat the fast speed with its directionl similarly con.- trolled. Attention is here also, directed to the fact that Whatever the speed; or direction of the feed operating member a reverse feed v52 lformed on ythe frame.

kis driven at a slow or lcut-ting may be obtained by reversi-ng the arrangementv of the feed. chain.y It will also be understood-that tl'irough theprovision of the reversible driving connections for the feed operating member- 7' the latter is also.n reversely operable to reversethe feed Without changing the feed chain Wihilethe feed may also be reversed by reversing the motor. Ilt will also'be observedi that since the member 7 maybe reversely driven Without reversing the motor the cuttervchain 5 may be reversely driven at any time, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3f for example, without affecting the feeding of the machine which may be effected at lfast or slow` speed in either direction- While the cutter chainl is` being rotated in either direction.

In4 Fig. 5,k I have illustrated a Apartially modified form of feed driving mechanism and1 a modified arrangement of theVA chain t* drivin-g andy guiding sprockets.v In this corr struction, it will be observed that instead of using the bevel' gear reverseA drive described in connect-ion With Fig. l, avertically disposedv spur gear 48 is provided midway ben tween the endsoff the frictions Zrand 3l on theshaft 20. This spur gear meshes, with a larger gear 49 in turn carried directly on a horizontal, shaft 50; carrying avplura'lity of feed sprockets 5 1, herein on its opposite ends. This" shaft 50`- is herein transversely disposed and journaled in suitable bearings As shown, it 'is also short' yand set midway between, the sides of the frame, suitable pockets -being pro-y 'e vided atV its opposite ends soI that the chain driving sprockets 51V may be housed-'Within the 'linesV of the framel Associated with these drivingsprockets, either of which may be^ used whenA desired, I'have also provided supplementary guide sprockets 54, 55 rotatable on vertical axes and adapted to direct the chain from the chain driving sprockets 51to slightly forwardly located laterally disposed' cooperating guide sprockets 56g 57 rotatableV on vertical'ax'es and corresponding to the guidesy 43, 45 or a pai-r of forwardly located lcooperating guide Sprockets 58 hav# ing the plane of their axes disposed parallel v tdtheV lane ofthe axes of the members 56,

57. :Inthis construction, it Willbe evident that by simplyv laying the chain around either of the guides 54 or 55and over either of the chain driving sprockets 51', "and'npass ing the same around `the frontiguidesprock- "f ets ancleither of the. guides 5G, 57, as

shown in ldashand dot chain ylines in th is' Fw- Y b u re,`,the machine may be comiected for morement along vthe fac'e,gand thatV byV similar rearrangements, of thechain to `that described above vin connection with. the form of my invention shown in Figs. l, 2, 3. a-nd'4, various other movement-s.v of the machine or its bar may be: obtained, as desired.

VAs a result ofmy improvedconstruction,

it will be observed that it is possible to eliminate entirely any necessity for threadingthe j chain, thereby facilitating'and` speeding up Y rected to the fact that due to my improved disposition of the feed operating member and -more particulaily to its disposition on an axis extending longitudinally of the machine frame, it is made possible whende sired to produce avery compact construction longitudinally, all necessity for increasing the length of the machine by the diameter of the feed operating member being eliminated. In practice, I further find that this arrangement of the feed operating meinber is also very advantageous in that it lends itself readily to simplified forms of driving mechanism and also to mechanism readily accessible from the end of the inachine. Further, by the elevation of the feed operating axis, the difficulty with slack is eliminated at the same time that, due to the horizontal disposition of the bearings, lubrii cation is facilitated, especially as` compared with feed operating members on a vertical axis. It will also be observed that through my improved feed sprocket driving and control mechanism it is possible to reduce'the gearing ordinarily required in this type of machine and enable greater flexibility of control to be obtained, either speed feed being capable of being reversed when desired without reversing the motor. These and other advantages of my improved construction will, however, be clearly apparent to those skilled in the art.

Vhile I have in this application specifi cally described two embodiments which my invention may assume in practice, it is to be understood that these forms are used for purposes of illustration, and that the invention may be further modified and embodied in various other forms without departing from its spirit or the scope of the appended claims. i j

What I claim as new and desire to' secure by Letters Patent is: j j

l. The combination with a mining ma*- chine frame having a cutter bar projecting from one end thereof. of feeding means in-` cluding aflexible feeding portion adapted during feeding to cooperate with a fixed point outside the machine frame, and means on said frame cooperating with said fiexible feeding portion including a motor and a feed operating member driven thereby and operatively engaging said flexible portion and rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of the machine frame on the opposite end of said frame from said cutter bar to effect movement of said machine to extend its cut in the direction of said fixed point.

2. The `combination with a mining machine frame having a cutter bar projecting from one end thereof, of feeding means including a fiexible feeding portion adapted j during feeding to cooperate with a fixed point outside the machine frame,and means on said frame cooperating with said fiexible feeding portion including a motor and a feed operating member driven thereby and operatively engaging said fiexible portion and cluding a flexible feeding portion adaptedV during feeding to cooperate with a fixed point outside the machine frame, and means on saidlframe cooperating with said flexible feeding portion `including a motor and a feed operating member driven thereby and operatively engagingV said Afiexible portion and rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally` of the machine frame on the opposite end of said frame from said cutter bar to effect movement of said machine to `extend itscut inthe Vdirection of said fixed point,`and a plurality of cooperating guiding means each disposed on a parallel axis. i 4. The combination with a mining ma chine frame Vhaving a cutter bar projecting from one end thereof, of feeding means in cluding a flexible feeding portion adapted duringfeeding to cooperate with a fixed point outside the machine frame, and means on said frame cooperatingwith said ficxible feeding portion including a motor, a feed operating memberdriven thereby and operatively engaging said fiexible portion and rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of the machine frame on the opposite end of said frame from said cutter bar to effect movement of said machine to extend its cut inthe direction ofsaid fixed point, and a cooperating guiding means disposed on an intersecting axis.

5. The combination with a mining machine frame having a cutter bar projecting from one end thereof,iof feeding means inf eludinga fiexible feeding portion adapted during `feeding to cooperate Vwith afixed point out-side the machine frame, and means on said frame cooperating with said flexible `feeding portion including a motor, a feed operating member driven thereby and operatively engaging said flexible portion and rotatable-.on an .axis extending longitudinally of 'the machine frame onthe opposite end of Vsaid frame from-said cutter Abarto effect movement 'of-.said machine to extend its cut inthe direction vofsaid fixedpoint,

and a plurality of cooperatingl guidingmeans eachdisposed onan axis parallel to a line .intersecting saidl'ongitudinal axis.

6; The combination ,with la mining inachine `fraine having acutter bar :projecting fromone end thereof, .of feedingmeans includinga flexible feeding portionadapted during` feeding to vcooperate with a 4fixed point outside themachineframe, and means fectmovenient of` said machine` to. extend its cut in the directiony ofsaid fixed Ap o'i'it', andY a plurality of cooperating` oruiding means arranged on mutually paral elaxes` one lof which last mentioned axesiintersectsy the longitudinal axis.

,7. The combination With a. mining machine frame having aout-ter bar projecting from one end thereof,.of Afeedinggmeans incliiding, aL flexible yfeeding.portion adapted during feeding to cooperate VWith, a fixed point outside-the machine iframe, .andfmeans on said.frame-cooperatingwith said flexiblefeeding Yportion including, a motor, 'a feed operating: member. driven :thereby 'and operatively engaging said 'fiexible .portion vand rotatable on an axis yextendinglongitudinally of the machine frame, on the Opposite end` of said frame fromsaid cutter bar to.

effect movement of saidimachineto extend itsfcut in the direction of said fixedf'point, andl cooperating guiding. means` disposed on a vertical axis.

8. The combination. with a mining machine having a. cutter -bar' projecting.` from onelend thereof, of feeding meansaincludingL a Jiiexible feeding portionA adaptedduring feeding to cooperate WithaV fixed point out.- side the machine frame, andfmeanson said frame cooperatingwithA said flexible `feeding portion includinga motor, -a 'feed op erating member drivenftliereliiylA and operatively engaging said lflexible .portion and rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally ofthe machine frame on' theopposite end of said frame fromisaid cutter harto.. effect movement of said machine to extend itsrcut in the direction of saidffixed ipoint,.and. a

v plurality of cooperating.guidingfmeans each disposed Yon a vertical axis. f

9.Tlie combination With a -mining ma chine havinga cutter bar projecting yfrom one end thereof, of feeding meansincludling a iexible feeding portionfadaptedduring .feeding to cooperate vvith ak fixed point outside the `machine frame, and means on said frame cooperating with lsaid' flexible feeding'` pOKtion ,including fa motor, `a feed Operatingmember driven tl'iereby and operaf tively` engaging said exible portion and rotatable on an axis extending;longitudinally of the machine frame on the opposite end ofsaid frame from said cutter'. bar to effect vmovement of saidfinachineto extend its cut .in thedirection of said fixed point, andal plurality of cooperatingguiding n'ieanseach disposed on a vertical axis, onefoffvvhich last l mentioned vertical axes isdisposed perpen-- diciilar rtosaid longitudinal axis. o

1,0. The combination.With'a` mining. 'inachine having aieutter bar projectingffrom, one end thereof, of feedingmeans including a fiexiblegfeeding portion adapted,duringl vfeeding to'c'oopycratewith aiixe'd point oiitside the :machine franie,. and' means on `vsaid frame cooperating With said iiexiblemfeed ing portionincluding a motor, .a ,feedjoperatf ing member driven thereby and koperatively engaging .said yflexible portion4 and Vrotatable onan axis extending longitudinally of the machine frame on the oppositefendfoffSaid frame from` said cutter bar to `'effect move-f ment of said machine to extend its c ut'iny the-v` direction of said fixed point, yand`cooperatingi guidingineans on parallel and intersecting axes.

1l. The combination With a mining. ma-

chine having a, cutter bar projecting l.from one o end thereof, yof feeding (means. including a flexible` feeding yportion adapted during feeding to cooperate with a fixed pointoutside the machine -fr ame,.andv means ,on said frame cooperating With said `fiexible feeding-,portion including a motor, a ,feed`Y op-y erating member driven thereby .and operatively engaging saidy flexible vportion andro-` tatable Von an` axis extending longitudinally ofthe machineffranie onthe opposite endfof saidpfrafme :from` said lcutterybar to effect movement of said.machinetoextend its cut in the direction of said fixed point,1and,co-

operating `guiding means -on parallel and v:on

vertical axes.

12.Tlie combination vwith a mining machine having a cutter bar projecting .from

- onek endy thereof, of .feeding means yincluding va vflexible feeding portion adapted during feeding to cooperate .With afixed pointout- -side thermachine frame, and means on said frame cooperating-With said'flexible feeding portion including a motoigafeed operating member driven thereby and operatively engaging said iiexibl portion and rotatable on anaxis 'extending longitudinally ofthe i machine frame onthe opposite end of said frame from said cutter bar to eiiectfmovement of said machine to extend its cut inthe direction of 'said iixedpoint, and cooperating l guiding means including guiding lmeans Whose axis of rotation is parallel to said longitudinal axis and guiding means Whose axes ofrotation respectively intersect said longitudinal axis and are parallel tothe axis which intersects said longitudinal axis.

13. The combination With a mining machine frame having a cutter bar projecting from one end thereof, of feeding means on said frame including a motor, and a feed operating member` driven thereby and rotatable onthe opposite end of said frame on an axis extending longitudinally of the inachine frame and adapted to cooperate directly with a flexible feeding member, and cooperating guiding means rotatable on parallel and onvertical axes, the guiding means rotatable on vertical axes being disposed at the corners of said frame.

14. The combination With a. mining machine frame having a cutter bar projecting from one end thereof, of feeding means on said frame including a motor, and a feed` operating member driven thereby and rotatable on the opposite end of said frame on an axis extending longitudinally of the ma* chine frame and adapted to cooperate directly with a flexible feeding member, andco# operating guiding meansrotatable on paral lel and on vertical axes, the guiding means rotatable on vertical axes beingdisposed at the corners of said frame and at a point between said'corners.

15. The combination with a mining machine frame having a cutter bar projecting from one end thereof, of fee-ding meansy on said `frame including a motor, and a feed operating member driven thereby and rotatable on the opposite end of said frame on` an axis extending longitudinally of the machine frame and adapted to cooperate directly with a flexible feeding member, and

cooperating guiding means rotatable on axes parallel to said longitudinal axis and on mutually parallel axes parallel to a line intersecting said longitudinal axis, the last mentioned guiding means being disposed corners of the frame. j

16. The combination with a mining machine frame having a cutter .bar projecting from one end thereof, of feeding means on said Vframe including a motor, and a feed operating member driven thereby and rotatable on the opposite end of said frame on an axis extending longitudinally of the 1nachine frame and adapted to cooperate directly with a flexible feeding member, and cooperating guiding means rotatable on axes parallel to said longitudinal axis and on mutually parallel axes parallel to a line intersecting said longitudinal axis, the last mentioned guiding means including guiding means disposed at corners of said frame and guiding means rotatable upon an axis intersecting said longitudinal axis.

17. The combination With a mining machine having a pivoted cutter bar, of feed ing means therefor including a flexible feed-f ing a `flexible feeding portion,` and'` a feed operating member `operatively engaging said flexible portion and rotatable onv an axis extending longitudinally rof the machine on the front end of said machine.

19'. The combination with a mining Inachine having a pivoted cutter bar, of feeding means therefor including a flexible feeding portion, and a feed operating member operatively engaging said flexible portion and rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of the machine on said machine and disposed onV the opposite end of said machineA from said bar. l

20. The combination withv a mining machine having a cutter bar pivoted on its rear end, of feeding means therefor including a flexible feeding portion, and a feed operating. memberoperatively engaging said flexible portion and rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of the machine on the front end of said machine and disposed Within the lateral limits thereof.

21. The combination with a mining inachine having a cutter bar pivoted on its rear end, of feeding means therefor `including a flexible feeding portion, a feed operating member operatively engaging said -flexible portion and rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of the machine on the front end of said machine, and cooperating guiding means therefor.

22. The combination with a mining machine having a cutter bar pivoted on its rear end, of feeding means therefor including a flexible feeding portion, a feed operating member operatively engaging said flexible ortion and rotatable on an axis extending ongitudinally of the machine on the front f end of said machine, and a plurality of cooperating guiding means therefor.`

23. The combination With a mining ma.-

chine having a cutter bar pivoted on its llU ffiieeawso axis, aflexible feed'member c'ooperating'withmechanism projecting therefr'oni at `its rear.v

end, ofa feed Adrivingfmen'ibe'r at Athe froiit endloif said machine irotatable on a horizontalaxisyaflexible feed member cooperating withsaidfeed driving member, and-cooperait-ing 'guiding *means therefor vfor directing said feed memberaroun-dsaid driving member and lforwardly from l'the front end of said machine. a

27. The. combination with a mining finachiiie,of.a feed 'driving member at its front end rotatable on an 'axis extending longitudinally of the machine, a flexible feed member cooperating with said feeddriving member, and cooperating guidinglmean's -for directing said feed member around said driving Imember and rearwardly from the frontend of saidmachine. v

28. The combination with a'longwall mining -niachine having horizontal "lrerflcutting mechanism projecting ltherefrom at vits-rear end, of 7a Vfeeddrivingmember jattlie front endiof said machine rotatable on a horizontal axis, a flexible feedmember cooperating with said feed driving member, and cooper'- atingguiding meansjtherefo'r for directing said feediiiember around saidv driving inember vand either forwardly or rearwardly from the front end of 'said machine.

29. The combination witha longwall inini'ng machine, of af'feed driving member `at its front end rotatable onan axis extending longitudinally of the machine, all'exible feed member cooperating with said feed 'driving member, and cooperating guidingimeans for ber and laterally lin 4opposite directions acrosslthe ifrontiendof the machine. y

31. rllhe combination `with a mining machine having-a pivot'ed cutter ibar, of ySafeed driving member at its A'front-.end rotatable Von an axis extending longitudinallyi'ofthermacliine, a flexible feed member cooperating directly with said feedloperating member,

and cooperating guiding means for direct-` ing said feed member Aaround said driving member andlatei'ally and longitudinallyirelati've tosaidmachine.` i y' The combination-with a mining machine having a pivoted cutter bar, ofavfeed driving Emember at its front end Jrotatable i on anaxis extending longitudinally of lthe achine, a flexible feed membercooperating#directly 4with said .feed operating member,fand cooperating guiding 'means vfor fdir'e'ctiiig said -feed kmember around Vsaid driving mem-.

beiI y'and laterally andl longitudinally Irelative thereto at either side of said machine. f

The combination avitha mining 'machine having horizontal-ker'fcutting mchanism projecting"therefrom at its rear end, of 'a feed driving member at the 'frontend of said machine/disposed on a horizontal axis, a'fllexible feed member engage'able therewith, and guiding means /includinga pluralityof simultaneously operative cooperating guiding members disposed on 'opposite A'sides of said driving ineniberand located in the` same plane therewith. l

Thecombinationin a 'mining machine having horizontal-kerf cutting `mech anismat the rear end thereo-f,of a'feed driving member .atthe front endof'the machine disposed on ahorizontalaxis, ya iiexible feed'meniber eiigageabletherewith, and guidingzmeans including a plurality of simu'lt'aneiously operative cooperating guiding members disposed oii opposite'sides of said driving memy ber and so 'located thata single plane perpendicular to the 'axis ofsaid feed driving member will cut' each of them.

The combination -ina mining machine having horizontal-korf 'cutting mechanism at the rear end thereof, of'a feed driving member at the frontend of'themachine disposed. on a horizontal 'axis,-a flexible feed member engageable therewith, and'guiding means including a plurality of simultaneously operative cooperating guiding members disposed on opposite sides of said driving member and so locatedthatfhe portion of said'flexible feedy member engaging them and said feed driving member will lie in a single plane. y 'A i Y Y t t '36, The combination with a mining machine, of a feed 'driving member disposed on alongitudinal axis at the frontend thereof,

a iexible feed member engageable'therewith,

and guiding means including apluralitylof cooperatingyguiding members disposed on opposite sides of said driving membenand located therewith in a transverse plane.

37. The combination with a mining machine, of a feed driving member disposed on a horizontal axis extending longitudinally `of the machine at the front end thereof, a

flexible feed member engageable therewith, a cooperating guiding member disposed ad- ]acent said di'iving member, and a second I cooperating guiding member simultaneously operative with said first mentioned cooperating guiding member anddisposed on a vertical axis and located at one side of said machine. y

38. The combination with a mining mal chine, of a feed drivingmember disposed on a horizontal axis at the front end thereof,

a flexible feed member engageable therewith.,

`a horizontal axis extending longitudinally of the machine at the front end thereof, a flexible feed member engageable therewith, a cooperating` guiding member disposed adjacent said driving member, and a plurality of cooperating guiding members disposed on vertical axes and located on opposite sides of said driving member and in front thereof.

40. The combination with a mining machine, of a feed driving member disposed on a horizontal axis at the front end thereof, a flexible feed member engageable therewith, a cooperating guiding member on a horizontal axis, and a plurality of forwardly located cooperating guiding members disposed on vertical axes, one disposed at one side of said driving member and the other substantially in front thereof.

4l. The combination with a mining machine, of a feed driving member disposed on a horizontal axis at the front end thereof, a flexible feed member engageable therewith, a plurality of cooperating guiding members on horizontal axes, and a plurality of cooperating guiding members disposed on vertical axes and located on oppositeV sides of said driving member and in front thereof.

42.`The combination with amining niachine, of a feed driving member disposed on a horizontal axis at the front end thereof, a flexible feed member engageable therewith, a plurality of cooperating guiding members von horizontal axes, and a plurality of cooperating guiding members disposed on vertical axes, two on opposite sides of said driving member and one directly in front thereof.

43. The combination with a mining machine, of va feed driving sprocket disposed on a horizontal axis extending longitudinall ly of the machine and vrotatable in a transverse plane at the front end of the machine, .l a flexible feed chain engageable with said sprocket, and cooperating guiding means disposed in the same plane as said sprocket and locatedv on opposite sides of the' same.

44. Thecombination with a mining machine, of a feed `driving sprocket disposed means adjacent saidsprocket, and coo er-v ating forwardly located guiding sproc ets rotatable on vert-ical axes and disposed at the opposite corners of the frame and in front of said driving sprocket.

46. rIhe combination with a mining machine having horizontal kerf, cutting mechanism, fast and slow feed mechanisms on the front end thereof, a horizontally disposed shaft extending in front of said mechanisms, means for selectively connecting the same to said feed mechanisms, and a feed sprocket on said shaft] adapted to engage a feed chain and rotatable in a vertical'plane.

47. The combination with a mining machine having `horizontal kerf cutting mechanism, a plurality of transverse shafts, driving mechanism for one of the same, fast and slow feed mechanism between'said shafts, a horizontal shaft on, the front end of said machine, means operatively connecting the same to either feed mechanism, and a feed sprocket on said horizontal shaft and adapted to cooperate directly with a flexible feeding member. l

48. The combination with a miningmachine having a. frame slidable upon a surface thereof directly upon the mine bottom during cutting and horizontal-kerf cutting mechanism at the rear end of said frame, of feeding mechanism at the front end of the frame Vincluding a plurality of transverse shafts, fast and slow feed mechanism connected between the same, driving mechanism operatively connected to one of said shafts between the ends of the same, a horizontally disposed feed chain sprocket carrying shaft, and driving connections therefor between the ends of the other transverse shaft.

49. The combination with a mining machine having a frame slidable upon a surface thereof directlyA upon the mine bottom during cutting and horizontal-kerf cutting loo ics f Lit) mechanism at the rear end of the frame, of feeding mechanism at the front end of the frame including a plurality of transverse shafts, fast and slow feed mechanism operatively connected between the same, a horizontally disposed shaft on the front end of said machine, means for selectively connecting the latter with either of said feed mechanisms, and a feed sprocket carried lon said horizontal shaft.

50. The combination with a mining machine, of feeding inechani-sm including a plurality of transverse shafts, fast andslow feed mechanism operatively connected 'between the opposite ends of the same, a horizontally disposed shaft extending longitudinally of the machine, means for selectively connecting it with either of said feed mechanisms, and a feed chain sprocket carried on said last mentioned shaft.

51. The combination with a mining machine having horizontal kerf cutting mechanism, of a longitudinally disposed motor, a transverse shaft, 'driving connections between said motor and shaft, a second transverse shaft, fast and slow feed connections between said shafts, a horizontally disposed feed chain sprocket driving shaft on the front end of the machine and operatively connected to said second transverse shaft, and a feed chain sprocket carried on said shaft. K

52. The combination with Va mining machine having horizontal kerf cutting mech anism including a pivoted cnt-ter bar, of a motor, a transverse shaft, driving connections between said motor and shaft, a second transverse shaft, friction controlled fast and slow feed connections between said shafts, a horizontally disposed feed sprocket driving shaft operatively connected to said second transverse shaft, and a feed chain sprocket carried on said shaft.

53. The combination with a mining inachine having a cutter bar pivoted. on its rear end, of a longitudinally disposed motor, fast and slow speed transmission mechanism including a plurality of shafts, operative connections between said motor and one of Y said shafts, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of the machine at the front end of said machine, and operative connections between said member and the other shaft.

54. The combination with a mining ma* chine having a cutter bar pivoted on its rear end, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of the machine on the Yfront end of said machine, fast and slow speed driving mechanism for said member including a plurality of shafts, operative connections between said motor and Ione of said shafts, operative connections between said 'member and the other shaft, and means for reversing said feed operating member at will.

eo. 'Ihecombination with a mining machine, of a motor, a transverse shaft, worm shafts, a horizontally disposed feed sprocket driving shaft disposed longitudinally 4of the machine, a feed sprocket on said feed sprocket driving shaft, and bevel gearing between said second shaft and said sprocket driving shaft.

5G. The combination with 'a mining machine, of a motor, a transverse'shaft, worm Vand worm gear connections 'between the saine, a second transverse shaft, friction con- Vtrolled fast and slow feed driving mechanism between the opposite ends' of said shafts, a feedv sprocket driving shaft dis-` posed longitudiiially of the machineya feed sprocket on the front kend of said feed sprocket driving shaft, bevel gearing between said second shaft and 'said sprocket `driving shaft, and reversing `mechanism operatively connected to` certain of the elements of said bevel gearing.

57. The combination with,` a min-mg m-achi'ne including a frame having a cutter bar projectingfro'm one end thereof, of feeding means on said frame includ-ing a feed operatino' member adaptedl to cooperate directly with afiexible feeding member and rotatable on the opposite vend of said frame on an 'axis extending longitudinally of the frame and cooperating guiding means including a -guiding member disposed on an upright axis, said guiding member being so disposed at the ec ge of said machine as to receive a flexible feeding member operated on by said feed operating member and direct the same in either'direction longitudinally of the machine frame.

58. The combination with a mining machine including a frame having a cutter projecting from one end thereof, of feeding ymeans on said frame including a feed oper`- atingmember adapted to cooperate directly with 'a' flexible feeding member and rotatable on the opposite end of said frame on an axis extending longitudinally of the frame and cooperating guiding vmeans including a plurality of guiding members disposed on upright axes, said guiding members being so disposed at theopposite edges of said machine as to receive a flexible feeding member operated on by said feed operating member anddirect the same in either direction longitudinally of eitherside of the machine frame.

o9. The `c"ombination with a mining ina- `ILO i able on the opposite end of chine including a frame having a cutter bar i projecting from one end thereof, of feeding means on said frame including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with a flexible feeding member and rotatsaid frame on an axis extending longitudinally of the frame and cool erating guidingl means including a guiding member disposed on an upright axis, said guiding member being so disposed at the edge of said machine as to receive a flexible feeding member operated on by said feed operating member and direct the same in eith direction longitudinally of the inacliine frame, and a cooperating guiding member between said feed operating member and first mentioned guiding member adapted also to engage said flexible member.

60. The combination with a mining inacliine including a frame having a cutter bar projecting from one end thereof, of feeding means on said frame including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly Wit-ha flexible feeding member, and rotatable on the opposite endl of said frame on an axis extending longitudinally of the frame and cooperating guiding means including a plurality of guiding members disposed on upright axes, said guiding members.

being so disposed-at the opposite edges of said machine as to receive a flexible feeding member operated on by said feed operating member and direct the same in either direction longitudinally of either side of the inachine frame, and a plurality `of cooperating guiding members on opposite sides of said feed operating member and between the saine and said first mentioned guiding members and adapted to engage and guide said flexible member in passing from said feed operating member to said first mentioned guiding members.

61, The combination with a mining ma-l chine including a frame having' a cutter bar projecting from one end thereof, of feeding means on said frame including a feed operating member rotatable on the opposite end of said frame on an axis extending longitudinally of theframe, a flexible feeding member operated on by saidffeed operating member, and guiding means including a plurality of guiding members rotatable on upright axes and adapted to direct said flexible feeding member longitudinally. of. said machine at different points spaced transversely from the longitudinal center line of the machine. j

62. The combination with a mining machine including a frame having a cutter bar projecting from one end thereof, of feeding means on said fraiiieinclnding a feed operating member rotatable on the opposite end of said frame on anaxis extending longii tudinally of the frame, a flexible feeding; member operated on by said feed operating member, and gui-ding means including a .plurality of guiding members rotatable on tudinally of the fiume,A a flexilile feeding member operated on by saidfeed operating member, and guiding means including a plurality of guiding members rotatable on upright axes and adapted to direct said flexible feeding member longitudinally of saidniachine in either direction at different points spaced transversely from the longitudinal center line of the machine, said guidinir members includii'ig a guide member located between said transversely spaced points.

(isi- The combination with a mining inachine including a frame having a cutter bar projecting from one end thereof, of 'feeding means on said frame including a feed operating member rotatable onthe opposite end' of said frame on an axis extending longi- ,t-udinally of the frame, a flexible feeding chine including a frame having a cutter bar jin'ojecting from one end thereof, of feeding means on said frame including a motor and a feed operating member driven thereby and rotatable on the opposite end of said frame on an axis extending longitudinally of the frame, a flexible feeding member, and cooperating guiding means whereby said flexible member may cooperate with said feed operrating member in reverse relations to efcct lateral feeding of said frame in opposite directions during cutting.

66. The combination with a mining imacliine including a frame having a cutter bar projecting from one end thereof, of feeding means on said frame including a motor and a feed operating member driven thereby androtatable on the opposite end of said frame on an axis extending longitudinally of the frame, a flexible feeding member, andV cooperating guiding means whereby said flexible member may cooperate'vith Vsaid feed operlati ating member' in reverse relations to eflect lateral feeding of said frame in either direction Without reversal of said motor.

67. The combination with a mining machine including` a frame having' a cutter bar lcooperating guiding means for said flexible member whereby the latter may be disposed in a plurality of feeding relations, and mea s whereby said feed operating member may be rotated at different speeds.

68. The combina-tion with a mining machine including'a frame having a cutter bar projecting from one end thereof, of feeding means on said frame including a motor and a feed operating member driven thereby and rotatable on the opposite end of said frame on an axis extending longitudinally of the frame, a continuous flexible feeding member cooperating with said feed operating member and having a plurality of free ends, cooperating guiding means ,for said flexible member whereby the latter may be disposed in a plurality of feeding relations, and means whereby said feed operating member may be rotated atdifferent speeds in opposite directions.

69. The combination with va mining machine including a frame having a cutter' bar projecting from one end thereof, of feeding means on said frame including a` motor and a feed operating member driven thereby and rotatable on the opposite cnd of said frame on an axis extending longitudinally of the frame, a continuous flexible feeding member cooperating with said feed operating member and having a plurality of free ends, cooperating guiding nica-ns for said flexible member ivhereby the latter may be disposed in a j ilurality of feeding relations, and means whereby said feed operating member may be rotated at vdifferent speeds Without reversing said motor.

70. The combination with a mining machine including a frame having a cutter bar projecting from one. end thereof, of feeding means on said frame including a motor and a feed operating memberdriven thereby and rotatable on the opposite end of said frame on an axis extending longitudinally of the frame, a continuous flexible feeding member cooperating with said feed operating memberand having a plurality of free ends, cooperating guiding means for .said flexible member whereby the latter may be disposed in a plurality of feeding relations, and means whereby said feed operating member may be rotated at different speeds in either direction Without reversing said motor.

7].. The combination with a mining machine slidable over a ini-ne bottom and having'cutting mechanismk including a cutter bar, flexible feeding mechanism for fee/ding said machine laterally during cutting including a feed operating member rotatable on a horizontal axis, a cooperating flexible feeding member, means for driving said feed operating member at a cutting speed in one direction, and means whereby the direction .of f ed of said machine may be selectively reversed including a reversible driv-` ing motor adapted to drive said feed operating member reversely, stationary guiding means on said machine permitting reverse arrangement of said fiexible feeding member Without reversing the motor, and operative connections between said feed operating member and motor whereby Without reversing the motor 'the direction of rotation of said feed operating member may be reversed and the latter driven in either direction at like speeds.

72. ln a mining machine, -in con'ibination,

a machine frame, cutting mechianismar-A ranged at one end thereof, and feeding means therefor including a flexible feeding member and means on said frame adapted to cooperate with said flexible feeding member including a feed operating member adapted to Voperatively engage said flexible member during feeding and pairs of guide members arranged at opposite sides of said feed operating member and so positioned that they are all tangent to a single straight line. Y

73; In a miningmachine, in con'ibination, a machine frame, cutting Vmechanism arranged at one end thereof, and feeding means therefor including a ileniblei'ceding member and means on said frame adapted to cooperate vvith said flexible feeding member including a feed operating member rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of the machine frame and adapted to operativelyengage said flexible member during feeding, and pairs of idler guide members arranged opposite sides of said feed operating` member and rotatable on axes fixed relative to the frame and at the end of the atter remote from said cutting meehanisn'i and so positioned that lines tangent to the guide members of each pair'will lie in a single plane. y

711-. In a mining machine, in combination, a machine "frame, cutting mechanism arranged at one end thereof, and feeding means therefor at the other end of said frame including a fiexible feeding member and means on said frame adapted to cooperate with said iiexible feeding member including a feed operating member rotatable a machine frame, cutting mechanism arranged at one end thereof, and feeding means thereforincluding a flexible feeding member and means on said frameV adapted to cooperate with said flexible feeding member including a feed operating member rotatable on a longitudinally extending hori lzontal axis adapted to operatively engage said flexible member during feeding, and pairs of guide members arranged at opposite sides of said feed operating member and so positioned that they are all tangent to a single straight line.

76. In a mining machine, in combination, a machine frame, cutting mechanism ar ranged at one end thereof, and feeding means therefor including a flexible feeding member and means on said frame adapted to cooperate with said flexible feeding member' including a feed operating member rotatable on a longitudinally extending horiz/.ontal axis adapted to operatively engage said flexible member during feeding, and pairs of guide members arranged at opposite sides of said feed operating member and so positioned that lines tangentto the guide members of each pair Will lie in a single plane.

77. In a mining machine, in combination, a machine frame, cutting mechanism arranged at one end thereof,` and feeding means therefor includingr a flexible feeding member and means on said frame adapted to cooperate with said flexible feeding mem.

ber including a feed operating member rotatable on horizontal axis extending longitudinally of the machine fram-e and adapted to operatively engage said flexible ment ber during feeding, and pairs of guide ineinbers arranged at opposite sides of said feed )pera'ting mer ber and so positioned that lines tangent to the guide members of each pair will lie in a single plane which cuts said feed operating member perpendicular to` its axis of rotation.

7 8. rlhe combination with a mining machine slidable over a mine bottom and having cutting mechanism including a cutter bar, of flexible feeding mechanism forfeeding said machine laterally during cutting including a feed operating member arranged at the opposite end of said machine from said cutting mechanism and rotatable on a horizontal axis ext-ending longitudinalof the machine, a cooperr ting flexiblel chine slidable over a minebottom and hav-` ing cutting mechanism including a cutter bar, of flexible feeding mechanism for feeding said machine laterally during cutting f including a sinole strand flexible feeding member and a feed operating member arranged at theopposite end of'said machine from said cutter bar and Vrotatable on a horizontal axis extending longitudinally of the machine, means for at will driving said feed `operating member at a cutting speed in one direction, and guiding' means on said machine permitting reverse ar angement of said, flexible feeding member relative to said feed operating member whereby said machine may be fed laterally during cutting at the saine speed in opposite directions.

80. In a mining machine, in combination, a machine frame, cutting mechanismV arranged at one end thereof, and feeding means therefor including `a flexible feeding member and means on said frame adapted to cooperate with said flexible feeding member including a feed operating member rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of the machine frame and adapted operatively to engage said flexible member during feeding, and pairs of idler guiding members arranged at opposite sides of said feed operating member and rotatable on fixed axes at the opposite end of said frame from said cutting mechanism.

S1. In a mining machine, in combination, a machine frame, cutting mechanism arranged at one end thereof, and feeding means therefor including a flexible feeding member and means on said frame adapted to cooperate with said flexible feeding member including a feedoperating member rotatable ou an axis extending longitudinally of the machine frame and adapted operatively to .engage said flexible member during feeding, and pairs of guiding members arranged at opposite sides of said feed operating member and rotatable on fixed axes at the opposite end of said frame from said cutting mechanism and at the opposite side, With reference to said cutting mechanism, of a vertical transverse plane disposed at the point of said feed operating member nearest to said cutting mechanism.

82. A mining machine slidable over a mine bottom on its bottom including a frame having at one end thereof a cutter bar hav.-` ing cutting mechanism associated therewith and operative von actuation of. thefcutting mechanism associated therewith oppositely to cut and clear kei-fs in opposite directions when the machine frame isfoppositely -propelled, and means forfeeding saidmachine in opposite directions duringcutting including a feed operating member adjacent the other end of said frame and rotatable upon a horizontal axis extending rlongitudinallyof` said frame, flexible feeding means. co-

o eratino' therewith and Ouidincr members C 7 b i a adapted to cooperate with said flexible feeddirections during cutting. including av feed operating member adjacent the other end of said frame and rotatable upon a horizontal axis extending longitudinally of said frame, flexible feeding means cooperating therewith, and guiding means arranged in pairs at opposite sides of the central longitudinal vertical plane of said machine frameand at the end of the latter remote from said cutting mechanism.

8-1. A mining machine slidable over' a mine bottom on its bottom including a frame having at one end thereof a cutter bar operative on reverse actuation of the cutting mechanism associated therewith to cut lierfs in opposite directions wheny the vmachine frame is oppositely propelled, and means for feeding said machine in opposite directions during cutting including a feed operating member rotatable upon a horizontal axis extending longitudinally 'of said frame and at the other end of said frame from said cutting mechanism, flexible feeding means cooperating with said member and towards one end of which said machine moves during cutting, and means for actuating said feed operating member at a. plurality of speeds.v

85. A mining machine slidable over a mine bottom on its bottom includinga frame having at one end thereof a cutter bar operative on revere actuation of the cutting mechanism` associated-therewith to cut kcrfs in opposite directions when the machine frame is oppositely propelled, and meansv for feeding said machine in opposite directions during cutting including a feed' operating member rotatable upon' a horizontal axis extending longitudinally of'sa'id frame and at the otherend of said. frame from Asaid cutting, mechanism., flexible feeding Ameans cooperating with said member andtowards one end of which said', machine moves during cutting, andl means foractuatinf; said feedoperating `member at a plurality of speedsincluding a plurality of mutu-- ally coaxially arranged friction clutches.

86. A mining machine slidable over a mine bottom onits bottomincluding a framefhaving at one end thereofa cutterbar operative onk reverse actuationof the cuttingmechanism associated therewith to cut ker's 'in opposite Vdirections when the machine'.y framev is oppositely propelled,l and means for feed` ing saidmachine in oppositeA directions during cutting including a feed operatinggmember rotatable upon .ay horizontal axis extending longitudinally ofA sai 4frameand attnel other end of saidframe from saidcuttin'g mechanism, flexible feeding' meansy cooper'- atingwith said member and towards one endk of which said. machine moves during. cutting, and means for actuating said 'feedoperating member at plurality of speeds 'in'- cluding Y a. plurality of ymutually a coaxially arranged friction clutches one included in each of said feeds; a a y c S7.v A `mining apparatus comprisingcutting.,mechanisin, la framey supporti-ng said cutting'mechanism atone end thereof, amotor for driving said cuttingmechanism having a power` shaft having'at'one end thereof adriving. element constituting a feedv driving element, and means for effecting ipropulsion of said 'mininggmachine in a directiony parallel to the major dimension of said frame including atcth'e end ofsaid fran'ie opposite said cutting mechanism a power transmission member rotating on aV horizontal axisextending longitudinally of the frame, and driving means for said member inc-luding; a gearcoaxial with said member' and connected thereto for rotation at equal angular rates therewith and constituting a (Ll'rivingmember therefor, and driving means for ysaid `gear operative to effect rotation thereof inoppo'site directions at different s1` eedsincluding variable speed transmission mechanisi'nV driven by said motor all of whose elements between the driving element carried on themotor power shaft yand the gear coaxial with said" member rot-ate on. parallel axes.`

S8; A mining apparatus comprising cuttingv mechanism, aframe supporting said cutting mechanismat oneend thereof, a inotor for driving saicl ciitting'mechanism having a power shaft having at one' end vthereof a'driving elementy constituting a feed drivingelement, and mean's for effecting propulsion of said'minin'g vmachine in a direction l parallel tothe major dimension of said frame includingat' the end ,of` said frame opposite said cutting mechanism a power tation thereof at different speeds including and connected thereto for rotation at equal angular rates therewith and constituting a driving member therefor, and driving means for said gear operative to effect rotationV thereof in opposite directions at different speeds including variable speed transmission mechanism driven by said motor all of whose elements between the driving element carried on the motor power shaft and the gear coaxial with said member rotate on parallel horizontal axes.

89.V A mining apparatus comprising cutting mechanism, a frame supporting said cutting mechanism at one end thereof, a motor for driving said cutting mechanism having a power shaft having at one end thereof a driving element constituting a feed driving element, and means for effecting propulsion of said mining machine in a direction parallel to the major dimension `of said frame including at the end of, said frame opposite said cutting mechanism a power transmission member rotating on a horizontal axis extending longitudinally of the frame, and driving means for said member including a gear coaxial with said member and connected thereto for rotation at equal angular rates therewith and constituting a driving member therefor, and driving means for said gear operative to effect rotation thereof inr opposite directions at diiferent speeds including variable speed transmission mechanism driven by said motor all of whose elements between the driving element carried on the motor power shaft and the gear coaxial with said member ro tate on parallel axes, said variable speed transmission mechanism including coaxially disposed friction clutches selectively operative during drive at different speeds.

90. A mining apparatus comprising cutting mechanism7 a frame supporting `said cutting mechanism at one end thereof, a

-motor for driving said cutting mechanism having a power shaft having at one end thereof a driving element constituting'a feed driving` element, and means for effecting propulsion of saidmining machine in a direction parallel to the major dimension of said frame including at the end of said frame opposite said cutting mechanism a power transmission member rotating on a horizontal axis extendinglongitudinally of the frame, and driving means for said member including a gear coaxial with said mem` ber and connected thereto for rotation at equal angular rates therewith and constituting a driving` member therefor,`and driving means for said gear operative to effect ro mechanism variable speed transmission driven by said motor all of whose elements thereof a driving element constituting a feed driving element, and means for effecting propulsion of said mining machine in a direction parallel to the major diiiicnsion of said frame includingV at the end of said frame opposite said cutting mechanism a power transmission member rotatingl on a horizontal axis extending longitudinally of the frame, and driving means for said member including a gear coaxial with Vsaid member and connected thereto for rotation atA equal angular rates therewith and constituting a driving member therefor, and driving means for' said gea-r operative to effect rotation thereof at different speeds including vari able speed transmission mechanism driven by said motor all of whose elements between the driving element carriedvon the motor power shaft and the gear coaxial with said member rotate on parallel horizontal axes.

92. A mining apparatus comprising cutting mechanism, a `frame supporting said cutting mechanism at one end thereof, a motor .for driving said cutting mechanism having `a power shaft having at one Vend thereof a driving elementy constituting a feed driving element, and means for efiecting propulsion of said mining machine in a direction parallel to the major dimension of said frame including at the end of said frame opposite said cutting mechanism a power transmission member rotating on a horizontal axis extending longitudinally of the frame, and driving means for said ineinber including a gear coaxial with said meinw ber and ,connected thereto for rotation at.

93. A mininfr ai aratus com arising cut- #D :s ting mechanism, a frame supporting said cutting mechanism at Vone end thereof, a motor for driving said cutting mechanism having a power shaft having at one end thereof a driving element constituting af feed ,driving element, and means for effecting propulsion of said miningmachine in a dilib' rectioii parallel to the major dimension of said frame including at the end of said frame opposite said cutting mechanism a power transmission member adapted to ooperate with a flexible feeding element and rotating on a horizontal axis extending longitudinally of the frame, and driving means for said member including a gear coaxial with said member and connected thereto for rotation at equal angular rates therewith and constituting a driving member therefor, and driving means for said gear operative to effect rotation thereof in opposite directions including reversing transmission mechanism driven by said motor all of whose elements between the driving element carried on the motor power shaft and the gear coaxial with said member rotate on parallel axes.

94. imining apparatus comprising cutting mechanism, a frame supporting said ciitfiu mechanism' at one end thereof, a motor for driving said cutting mechanism having a power shaft having at one end thereof a driving element constituting a feed driving element, and means for effecting propulsion of said mining machine in a direction parallel to the major dimension of said frame including at the end of said frame opposite said cuttingvmeehanism a power transmission member rotating on a horizontal axis extendingl longitudinally of the frame, and' driving means for said member including a gear coaxial with said member and connected thereto forrotation at equal angular rates therewith and constituting a driving member therefor, and driving means for said gear operative to effect rotation thereof in opposite directions including reversing transmission mechanism driven by said motor all of whose elements between the driving element carried on the motor power shaft and the gear coaxial with said member rotate on parallel horizontal axes.

Q5. A mining apparatus comprising cutting mechanism, a -franie supporting said cutting mechanism at one end thereof, a motor for driving said cutting mechanism having a power shaft having at one end thereof a driving element constituting a feed driving element, and means for effecting propulsion of said mining machine in a direction parallel to the major dimension of saidY frame including at the end of said frame opposite said cutting mechanism a power transmission member adapted to cooperate with atlexible feeding member and rotating on a horizontal axis extending longitudinally of the frame, and driving means for said member including a gear Coaxial with said member and connected thereto for rotation at equal angular rates therewith and constituting a driving member therefor, and driving means for said gear operative to effect rotation thereof in opposite directions including reversing transmission mechanism driven by said motor all of whose elements between the driving element carried on the motor power shaft and the gear coaxial with said member rotate on parallel axes, said reversing transmission mechanism including cri-axially disposed friction clutches selectively operative during drive in opposite directions.

9G. Mining' apparatus including a frame supporting at one end thereof cutting mechanism, and means for effecting propulsion of said apparatus during cutting'iii a path parallel to the major dimension of said frame including at the end of said traine remote fromsaid cutting mechanism adriviiig meniber adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and rotatable upon a liorisontal axis extending longitudinally of said y frame, and driving means for said cutting mechanism and said member including a common motor disposed between said cutting mechanism and said member on said frame, the driving mechanism for said member including reversing gearing.

97. Mining apparatus including a frame supporting at one end thereof cutting mechanism, and means for eifecting propulsion of said al'iparatus during cutting in a path parallel to the major dimension of said frame including at the end of said frame remote from said cutting mechanism a driving meinber adapted to cooperate directly with ilexible feeding means and lrotatable upon a horizontal axis extending longitudinally of said frame, and driving means for said cutting mechanism and said member including a.

ico

common motor disposed between said cutting mechanism and said member on said frame and having a power shaft parallel to the axis of rotation of said member, the driving mechanism for versing gearing. Y

98. A. mining apparatus including a frame supporting at one end thereof cutting mechanism, and means for effecting propulsion of said apparatus during cutting in a path- 'pai'allel to the major dimension ofsaid frame including at the end of said frame remote from said cutting mechanism a driving member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and rotatable upon a horizontal axis extending longitudinally of said frame, and driving means for said cutting mechanism and said member including a common motor disposed between said cutting mechanism and said member on said frameand having a power shaft whose axis lies in the same longitudinal vertical plane as the axis of said member, the driving mechanism for said member including' reversing gearing.,

said member including re- `99. Mining apparatus including a frame supporting at one end thereof-cutting' mechanism7 and means for eifecting propulsion of said apparatus during cutting in a path parallel to the major dimension of said frame including at the end of the frame remote from the cutting mechanism a driving member' adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and rotatable upon a horizontal axis extending longitudinally of the frame, and driving means for the outting mechanism and the member including a motor disposed between the cutting mechanism and said member on the frame, the driving' means for the member` including mechanism operative to efiect plural predetermined speed drive thereof.

100. Mining apparatus including av frame support-ing at one end thereof cutting mechanism, and .means for effecting propulsion of said frame during cutting in a path parallel to the major dimension of said frame including at the end of said frame remote` from said cutting mechanism a driving member' adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and rotatable upon a horizontal axis extending longitudinally of said frame, and driving means for said cutting mechanism and said member including a motor disposed between said cutting mechanism and said member on said frame and having a power shaft parallel to the axis of rotation of said member, the driving means for the member including means for effecting plural predetermined speed drive thereof. i

10i. A mining apparatus including a frame supporting at one end thereof cutting mechanism, and means for eifecting propulsion of said frame during cutting in a path parallel to the major dimension ofi said frame including at the end of said frame remote from said cutting mechanism a driving member adapted to cooperate directly with exible feeding means and rotatable upon a horizontal axis extending longitudinally of said frame, and driving means for said cutting mechanism and said member including a motor disposed between said cutting mechanism and said member on said frame and having a power shaft whose axis lies in the same longitudinal vertical plane as the axis of said member, the drivingmeans for theV member including gearing for effecting plural speed drive thereof.

102. Mining apparatus including a frame supporting at one end thereof cutting mechanism, and means for effecting propulsion of said apparatus during cutting in a path parallel to the major dimension of said frame including at the end of said 44frame remote from said cutting mechanism a driving member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and rotatable upon a horizontal axis extending longitudinally of said frame, and driving means for said cutting mechanism and said member including a motor disposed between said cutting mechanism and said member on said frame, the driving means for said member including gearing for effect-ing drive thereof at different speeds in opposite directions.

103. Mining apparatus including a frame supporting at one end thereof cutting mechanism, and means for effecting propulsion of said frame during cutting in a path parallel to the major dimension of said frame including at the end of said frame remote from said cutting mechanism `a driving member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and rotatable upon a horizontal axis extending longitudinally of said frame, and driving means for said cutting mechanism and said member including a motordispoeed between said cutting mech anism and said member on said frame and having a power shaft parallel to the axis of rotation of said men'iber, the driving means for said member including gearing for effecting drive thereof at different speeds in opposite directions.

104e. A mining apparatus including a frame supporting at one end thereof cutting mechanism, and means for effecting propulion of said frame vduring cutting in a path parallel to the maj-or dimension of said frame including at the end of said frame remote from said cutting mechanism a driving member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and rotatable upon a horizontal axis extending longitudinally of said frame, and driving means for said cutting mechanism and said member including a motor disposed between said cutting mechanism and said member on said frame and having a. power shaft whose axis lies in the saine longitudinal vertical plane as the axis of said member, the driving means for said member including gearing for effecting drive thereof at different speeds in opposite directions.

105. In a mining machine, a` machine frame slidable on its bottom directly on the mine bottom, ak horizontal motor thereon having its axis extending longitudinally of the machine, cutting mechanism driven from one end of said motor, and feeding mechanism driven from the opposite end of said motor including a feed operating member rotatable on a horizontal axis extending longitudinally of the machine and adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding means.

106. in a mining machine, amachine frame slidable on its bott-om directly on the mine bottom, a horizontal motor thereon having its axis extending longitudinally of the machine, cutting mechanism driven from Aone end of said motor and including a horizontally swingable cutter bar, and feeding mechanism driven from the opposite end of said motor including a feed operating member rotatable on a horizontal axis extending longitudinally of the machine and adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding means.

107. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom directly on the mine bottom, a motor thereon, cutting mechanism driven thereby, and feeding mechanism driven by said motor including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding means, and plural speed driving mechanism between said motor and feed operating member including a horizontal worm, and a worm gear meshing therewith, and cooperating bevel gearing including a'bevel gear rotatable on a horizontal axis extending transversely of the machine.

108. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom directly on the mine bottom, a motor thereon, cutting mechanism driven thereby, and *feeding mechanism driven by said motor including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding means, and plural speed driving mechanism between said motor and feed operating member including a horizontal worm and a worm gear meshing therewith, cooperatingy bevel gearing including a bevel gear rotatable on a horizontal axis extending transversely of the machine, and a bevel gear meshing with said gear and rotating on a horizontal axis extending longitudinally of the machine.

109. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom directly on the mine bottom, a motor thereon, cutting mechanism driven thereby, and feeding mechanism driven by said motor including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding means, and plural speed driving mechanism between said motor and feed operating member including a worm rotatable on a horizontal axis and a worm gear meshing therewith disposed on an axis at right angles to the axis of said feed operating member, and cooperating bevel driving mechanism between said motor and feed operating member including a worm rotatable on a horizontal axis and a worm gear meshing therewith disposed on an axis at right angles tothe axis of said feed operating member, cooperating bevel gearing including a bevel gear rotatable on a horizontal axis extending transversely of the machine, and a bevel gear meshing with said gear rotating on a horizontal axis extending longitudinally of the machine.

111-. In a mining machine, a frame slidable on its bottom on the mine bottom, a. motor carried thereby, cutting mechanism driven by said motor including a cutter bar projecting from said frame at one end thereof, and feeding mechanism driven by said motor comprising a feed operating member rotatable on a horizontal axis extending longitudinally of the machine and located at the end of said frame opposite from said critter bar, and flexible feeding means including a flexible feeding portion cooperating with said feed operating member and having its free end anchored at a point in advance of the machine, said feed operating member being adapted to draw in said flexible portion to advance said machine toward the anchor to extend its cut the direction of said anchor.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

MORRIS P. HOLMES. 

